Gate Invitational leaders take methodical approach

And yet they were the only three players with under-par rounds at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club’s Lagoon Course.

“It was solid, but it wasn’t anything spectacular,” Monagle said after a 4-under-par 66. “The key was to hit it straight and don’t hit it often. Just don’t do anything crazy and give yourself some chances.”

Monagle, a senior at Jacksonville University, made five birdies and one bogey, including a run of three in a row starting at par-5 seventh. Included in that streak was a 40-foot birdie putt at No. 8.

Spencer shot 2-under 68, and Choi opened with a 69.

All three are amateurs in a tournament that includes many local club professionals. While the pros have an 18-13 edge against the amateurs since the inaugural tournament in 1983 amateurs have won in six of the last nine years.

“That makes sense,” Monagle said. “Amateurs get to play every day. Pros get stuck working in the pro shop all day.”

Spencer, a local Nike representative from Jacksonville, took a conservative approach to the 6,022-yard, par-70 course.

“It was really simple — hit fairways and greens,” he said. “It was simple and boring. I didn’t take a lot of chances. I only went after the pin a few times. Other than that, I tried to keep it simple. I wish it was more exciting.”

Spencer had three birdies and a bogey.

Choi, who graduated from Atlantic Coast High two months ago, is working toward earning his card on the PGA Canada Tour. He had five birdies and four bogeys.

“I was 3 under on the front and 2 over on the back,” Choi said. “I just couldn’t keep up with it.”

Choi said he wants to work on his game during the next few months for a shot to play in Canada. If that doesn’t work out, he will return to Deercreek Country Club and work for another shot in 2016.

“Everything depends on how I’m playing at the end of the year,” he said. “I had everything under control until the last three holes. It could have been a lot better.”

Pro Gerry James and amateur Dillon Board both had even-par 70s. Clint Avret, the 2012 winner, is at 1-over 71.

Cary Splane, who won the Gate in 1999 and 2000, shot a 72 in his attempt to become the tournament’s only three-time winner.

The tournament will move to the tougher 6,811-yard Ocean Course on Monday and Tuesday.